Monitoring general corrosion of rebar embedded in mortar using high-frequency guided mechanical waves

Benjamin L. Ervin, Jennifer T. Bernhard, Daniel A. Kuchma, Henrique Reis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

High-frequency guided mechanical waves were used to ultrasonically monitor reinforced mortar specimens undergoing accelerated general corrosion damage. Waves were invoked, using both single-cycle and high-cycle tonebursts, at frequencies where the attenuation is at a local minimum. Results show that the high-frequency waves were sensitive to irregularities in the reinforcing rebar profile caused by corrosion. The sensitivity is thought to be due to scattering, reflections, and mode conversion at the irregularities. Certain frequencies show promise for being insensitive to the surrounding mortar, ingress of water, presence of additional rebar, stirrups, and rust product accumulation. This lack of sensitivity allows for changes in guided wave behavior from bar profile deterioration to be isolated from the effects of other surrounding interfaces.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2007
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
EventSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2007 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 19 2007Mar 22 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6529 PART 1
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherSensors and Smart Structures Technologies for Civil, Mechanical, and Aerospace Systems 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/19/073/22/07

Keywords

  • Accelerated corrosion
  • Corrosion damage
  • Mortar
  • Reinforced concrete
  • Ultrasonics
  • Waveguide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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